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In complete analogy with axion dark matter, gravitational waves are converted into electromagnetic radiation when they propagate in magnetic fields. I will explain how this effect can be used to detect gravitational waves. With this in mind, I will examine gamma-ray observations by Fermi-LAT and HESS strongly suggesting the existence of a non-vanishing cosmic magnetic field. Then, I will show how the consequent conversion of gravitational waves into radio waves might distort the CMB, leading to bounds that exceed those from current terrestrial experiments. I will discuss prospects from the future gamma-ray observatory CTA and argue that future advances in 21 cm astronomy might push these bounds below the Neff constraint on the radiation density present during the CMB formation. |